A full schedule met visitors to the recent annual Spring Spa Day for Cancer Survivors at Methodist Hospitals Southlake campus. More than 100 area residents enjoyed breakfast, visited with vendors, received free massages and manicures, and observed a cooking demonstration.
“This event is so wonderful. It’s nice to come to the hospital for something other than (cancer) treatments,” said three-year cancer survivor Jane Tremont of Schererville. “And I’m meeting others like myself. Many of us had the same issues.”
Kathryn Hanson, owner of Qi Balance in Valparaiso, donated free head massages, as well as facilitated a class on the finer points of qi balance, a type of energy massage.
“We’re happy to be here today,” Hanson said, as she set up her table. “It’s so lovely — such a welcoming celebration from the hospital for the cancer survivors.”
Peggy Kolarik of Crown Point and Corinda Sills of Hobart met over breakfast, discussing their health experiences.
“The hospital is very supportive and understanding as they reach out to the survivors,” Kolarik said. “And the ladies here today can visit with each other, sharing support.”
Twelve-year cancer survivor and Gary cosmetologist Altovise Ferguson was appreciative of the hospital’s efforts to bring the survivors together for the special Spa Day.
She talked with Rachelle Anthony, field representative for the American Cancer Society, about volunteering with the organization’s Look Good, Feel Better program. Ferguson said she wanted to give back to the community by helping to work with this initiative.
Look Good, Feel Better is a free makeup class offered by the American Cancer Society to women undergoing cancer treatment.
Facilitated by a licensed cosmetologist, the mission of the two-hour informal get-together is to discuss changes the women may experience with their hair and skin during treatment and, “Just have fun,” according to Anthony.
The Personal Care Products Council, a charitable organization supported by the cosmetics industry, donates free makeup kits for the nonmedical, product-neutral class.
Also on the morning schedule was a cooking demonstration, with a focus on cancer-fighting foods, by Methodist sous chef Greg Kretschmar. Recipes were distributed to the crowd, as the chef prepared an authentic Greek salad and a kale-avocado salad. Samples of both were passed out to visitors.
“I’m enjoying this, the salads are delicious,” said audience member Lydia King of Merrillville. “Cooking is my passion and I’m always on the lookout for new things to make.”
Methodist Hospital nurse Shellie Howe volunteered at Spa Day and received many positive comments from the visitors.
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“This is the least we can do for these ladies,” she said. “If you think about all they have been through — dealing with caner — they deserve to be pampered.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter.